Packers vs Falcons: No Randall Cobb, No Problem for Green Bay

As if the Green Bay Packers needed more players to miss time with injury, the announcement came today that Randall Cobb will not play against the Atlanta Falcons.

And yes, it’s bad news. Cobb has played well of late, despite not converting two fairly easy touchdown catches last week. And he may have helped with the running game in addition to what he does as a receiver.

But in truth, the Packers can get by without Cobb, for a couple reasons.

One has been the play of Ty Montgomery, who has back-to-back 10 catch games. He’s proven to be a mismatch on the perimeter and can get open in the slot.

Montgomery can play the Cobb role for a week. He’s proven that in the past. The other reason is that Cobb’s absence may allow Jordy Nelson to get going.

Without Cobb, the Packers may move Nelson into the slot. He was there against Detroit in Week 3 and that was his best game to date.

Green Bay needs to attack the middle of the field. Defenses are playing their safeties deep and daring Green Bay to attack the middle. With Jared Cook out, Nelson is the best option to do it.

Beyond that, Davante Adams is coming off the best game of his career and seems to be gaining a trust with Aaron Rodgers. Adams had 13 receptions against the Bears and will be targeted frequently Sunday.

Others such as Trevor Davis and Jeff Janis, two deep threats, should also be involved and this gives them a chance.

Don’t get me wrong, having Cobb is ideal. He’s a very good receiver. But wide out is one position, where at least for a short time, the Packers can get by with an injury or two.

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I am a Montana sports reporter who is obsessed with the Green Bay Packers. I've been blogging about the team since 2011. My work has been seen on the Bleacher Report, Fox Sports and USA Today, among other websites. Currently, a staff writer at cheeseheadtv.com